News

Dead crow brings first reported case of West Nile in Contra Costa County this year

By Katie Nelson Contra Costa Times

Posted:
06/28/2013 06:45:15 AM PDT

Updated:
06/28/2013 06:45:55 AM PDT

ANTIOCH -- A dead crow found near Yellowstone Drive and Hillcrest Avenue is the county's first confirmed case of West Nile virus in 2013, the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District announced Thursday.

"With West Nile virus activity in several counties around us, we knew it was just a matter of time," said the district's public affairs manager Deborah Bass in a press release.

When bitten, West Nile virus can cause fever, body aches and vomitting. In more extreme cases, it can cause inflammation in both the spine and the brain. Detected early, it is treatable but in some extreme cases, it has been fatal.

The district also warned residents of two new invasive and disease-carrying mosquito species in the area, which have elevated the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

Though the mosquitoes have not yet been found in Contra Costa County, the yellow fever mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito can transmit debilitating and sometime fatal diseases.

The district stressed that residents dump standing water and wear mosquito repellent, among other precautions.

For current West Nile virus activity and to receive emails when the district fogs for adult mosquitoes, please visit the district's website at www.contracostamosquito.com.